Former captain Wasim Akram believes Pakistan need a new coach and a new captain to make a comeback in world cricket.

Speaking to Mobile ESPN, Akram said: "Pakistan team has to look for a new coach. We've tried foreign coaches but it hasn't made much of a difference."

He also advocated the elevation of Misbah-ul-Haq as captain of the side for a period of "one or one-and-a-half years".

"The Pakistan's team future does not look that bright unless they make Misbah-ul-Haq the captain for the next one or one-and-a-half years. He's 34, he's fit, he's performing and he led from the front in his first match as skipper," said the former pacer.

Commenting on the speculation that Geoff Lawson may be replaced by former skipper Intikhab Alam, he said: "The news is not firm. I have heard that Intikhab Alam may be brought in. He is very experienced, but the team needs a young coah. He can be the team's consultant."

Akram said the Pakistan team looked an average side in the ongoing STAR Cricket Asia Cup, but "they must have got some confidence after their win against India in the Super Four game".

"The team combination looked good, but unfortunately one will have to admit that it was so in the absence of skipper Shoaib Malik.

"The new off spinner Amjad bowled well. With Malik playing as captain and as an off spinner, it will be difficult for another off spinner to get a chance in the team," he observed.

"Pakistan next play West Indies in Toronto. The pressure is on Shoaib Malik, let's see what the PCB decides," said Akram.